June 24 – Sturgis Falls (Cedar Falls)In the Half-Marathon Randy Bill won in 1:09:48 and Traci Kresser won the women’s race in 1:22:45. David Sevick won the 5K in 16:35, his brothers were 2nd & 5th.
(Apologies to the Cedar Valley River Runners for missing this race that has existed since the 1970s)

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Team Runablaze Iowa 2012 Runners of the Year

MALE runner of the Year – Jason FlogelIt was a banner year at almost every distance for Jason. The year started out with a 2:21:53 at the Olympic Marathon Trials and ended with a 2:25:54 marathon. There was no distance left untouched during the season. On the track 5,000 meters indoors & outdoors in 15:20 and 10,000 meters in 31:06. On the roads 8K in 24:38, 7 mile in 36:35, 10 mile in 51:10, 20K in 1:04:28 and Half-Marathon in 1:07:35. All of Jason¹s times were PRs or almost best times.

FEMALE Runner of the Year – Danna Herrick (Kelly)It was a banner year for Danna, too. The year started out with a 2:45:42 at the Olympic Marathon Trials and ended with another solid marathon in 2:46:24. Danna other road times were just as good, 8K in 29:15, 10 mile in 59:22, 20K in 1:15:38 and 1:19:41 in the Half-Marathon. All of Danna times were PRs or almost best times too.

VETERAN Runner of the Year – Kristy Feldman5 kilometer wins at the Dam to Dam 5K and Midnight Madness 5K solidify her hold on the most 5K wins ever – – 6 at both races. Kristy also ran indoors, set her best time in the 8K 29:22 and finished off the season with a Half-Marathon in 1:23:41.

UP & COMING Runner of the Year – Mason FrankThe most profilic runner as he ran a race or two every month of the year. He brought enthusiasm to races and leadership as ISU Running Club President. Mason ran many races indoors including 5,000 meters in 15:27. On the roads 1 mile in 4:24, 5K in 15:04, 8K in 25:23 and marathon in 2:40:57. Additionally he was a top finisher at XC races.

May 10 North Central College’s Dr. Keeler Invitational (Chicago, IL)Marie Schofer was 3rd with a PR 16:54.60. A special note this was a 22 PR with mile splits of 5:31, 5:29 and 5:18.

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John Liepa of Indianola (not on the team) has the longest running streak in Iowa – – as of January 1 he will have run every day for 36 years. A running day is measured as at least one mile in running clothes. John’s running streak ranks 15th in the nation.
John was the Midnight Madness race director, 1979-1985. His last year was noteworthy! There were 78 men under 1:10 in the 20K (back then also a 10K & 5K). Last year at Dam to Dam there were 17 men under 1:10 and 31 in 1985. Just for comparison women breaking 1:25 has doubled since 1985, at Dam to Dam.

– – – – –The end of the season wouldn’t be complete without a big THANK YOU to Runablaze Iowa supporters . . .

About Runablaze Iowa
Runablaze Iowa athletes are based throughout Iowa. Formed in 2006, the purpose of the team is to improve post-collegiate Iowa distance running. Major Iowa running specialty stores, Iowa races and Iowa runners at those races support Runablaze Iowa.

Runablaze

Casey McDermontt edges out Danna Herrick to win the 24th Red Flannel 5 mile (Des Moines, Feb 16). Casey ran a 29:13 and Danna 29:16. On the men's side Luke Demmel easily claimed victory winning in 25:15.
Mason Frank lead early but got nipped by one second as he finished the 3 mile in 14:48. Winner was Connor Wells, Roosevelt HS grad and now a Drake runner (father Doug has been a longtime photographer of running in Iowa).
Red Flannel was held in 12 degree weather with little wind. 630 … [Read More...]

(posted previously on the old web site) Lately, I have been obsessed with the story of the great horse Secretariat, but perhaps more specifically the jockey, Ron Turcotte. I remember, even as a child, being caught up in the unfolding story of the great horse about to win the Triple Crown. Since then I have […]